Myanmar’s military-backed parliament released a bill on May 14, 2026, proposing the death penalty for individuals who detain or violently coerce victims to work in online scam centres [1, 2, 3, 4].
The draft Anti-Online Scam Bill allows for the death sentence specifically when violence, torture, unlawful arrest, detention, or cruel treatment is used to force others into committing online scams [1, 2, 3, 4]. It also sets life imprisonment as the maximum sentence for those who operate online scam centres or engage in cryptocurrency investment scams [1, 2, 3, 4].
Myanmar’s new government, led by coup leader Min Aung Hlaing, took office last month and introduced the anti-scam bill as one of its first legislative acts [1, 2, 3, 4]. Analysts consider these efforts part of an attempt by the military regime to improve its international image and reduce isolation [1, 2, 3, 4].
The country's ongoing civil war, triggered by the 2021 military coup, has caused widespread instability that enabled organized crime groups to flourish, including scam centres [1, 2, 3, 4]. These centres often run romance scams and cryptocurrency scams, targeting victims globally [1, 2, 3, 4].
Foreign nationals abducted to scam centres have reported trafficking, detention, and torture, with victims repatriated from Myanmar describing harsh conditions [1, 2, 3, 4]. The US Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates American victims lost over $20 billion to scams linked to Myanmar in 2025 alone [1, 2, 3, 4].
China has expressed concern about its citizens involved in or victimized by these scam operations in Myanmar, complicating diplomatic relations [1, 2, 3, 4]. The bill proposes creating a new committee to enhance international cooperation in combating illegal industries, including online scams [1, 3].
Myanmar’s military-controlled parliament is scheduled to convene in the first week of June 2026 to consider the bill for passage [1, 2, 3, 4].
